Venezuela: VENUSA College

VENUSA College
SUNY Cortland
Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Merida, Venezuela (Map)

The charming city of Merida is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, deep in the heart of the Venezuelan Andes. In the lush surrounding valley, grows sugar cane, bananas, palms, and a profusion of flowers. Merida exudes the colonial charm of an old Spanish town enhanced by the vigor of student activity from the University. Merida is the home of the world's longest and highest cable car ride which soars to almost 16,000 feet, known as "La Cuidad de los Caballeros." Merida offers you a chance to experience authentic Venezuelan lifestyles and culture in an area unspoiled by the onslaught of tourism. While abroad, you are enrolled at the VENUSA College, Educational Center of International Studies and Modern Languages in Merida, Venezuela with the goal of providing you with the first-hand knowledge of the social, political and economic realities of Latin America. The program is designed to bring fresh perspectives to career choices.

View this excellent Promotional Video of Merida,Venezuela to see a sample of the stunning environment and culture.

Also check out the videos of Los Nevados and the Botanical Gardens from this VENUSA student video blog!

Application Requirements:

  • 2.5 GPA

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall Semester: April 15, 2016
  • Spring Semester: October 15, 2016

To Apply: Follow application directions on home page. Your online application requirements include:

  • Study Statement
  • Two Recommendations
  • Official Transcript

Program Dates:

2016 Dates TBA. See below for 2015 Dates.

Spring Semester: January 20 to May 2, 2015

Fall Semester: August 31 to December 4, 2015


Program Costs:

Spring 2017 Budget

**Tentative and Subject to Change**


Course Information:

Ten Week Semester Option (12 credits):

The 10-week semester begins five weeks later than the 15-week semester and is more intense. Students take 3 hours of Spanish language in addition to two additional classes, Monday - Thursday. Beginning and intermediate level Spanish students take International Business and Cross Cultural Communications, taught in English, as the additional two classes. Advanced level students take a literature and Latin American Studies class, taught in Spanish, as the additional two classes. Please review the Course Selections.

Fifteen Week Semester Option (12-15 credits):

Students choosing the 15-week semester choose from a wide range of courses taught in Spanish. A limited number are offered in English. Classes are held Monday - Thursday. Human Service internships are available to students who are fluent in Spanish. Please review the Course Selections.


Teaching and Volunteering Information:

Students interested in teaching English may apply for VENUSA's TEFL program. VENUSA averages about 500-800 EFL students on rotation, with students of all ages and levels. Monday-Friday enrollment is usually high-school and university students as well as adults. Saturday's programs are usually for elementary and secondary students.

Each English level is 45 in-class hours for 6 weeks (Monday-Friday).
Once the student completes all levels of English at VENUSA, he/she is ready to take the TOEFL exam.

VENUSA prefers teacher applicants that have had some type of teaching experience or that are TEFL/TESL certified, but it's not required. Each applicant does receive on-site training in the method of teaching EFL. Spanish proficiency is not required because native English speakers usually teach Level 2 or higher (no spanish speaking is permitted in class).

TEFL Application

Volunteer Application


Travel Information:

Participants will fly to Miami and board a group flight to Caracas led by VENUSA representative Hector Portunando. Upon arrival, participants will be met in the airport by further representatives from VENUSA who will accompany the group to Merida.


Accommodations:

Participants will live with a carefully selected host family. Breakfast and dinner are provided.


Program Advisor:

Contact Hugh Anderson, SUNY Cortland Study Abroad Advisor, with any questions you may have.

Type:
Study Abroad
Language of Instruction:
Spanish
Field(s) of Study:
Art
Business Economics
Communications
Economics
Fashion Design
Geography
History
International Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Special Features:
Excursions, On-Campus Study, Volunteering, Language Study